Author: A Sports

Former captain Rashid Latif has thrown his support behind young wicketkeeper-batter Khawaja Nafay, backing him for selection in Pakistan’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 following his promising international debut against Sri Lanka.

Nafay made his first appearance for Pakistan in the rain-affected third and final T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday.

The right-hander impressed in a high-pressure chase, scoring a brisk 26 off 15 balls as Pakistan pursued a revised target of 161 in a shortened 12-over contest.

Although Pakistan eventually fell 14 runs short, Nafay’s composure and clean striking drew praise from several quarters, including Latif.

Taking to social media platform X after the match, the former wicketkeeper-captain lauded Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha’s late onslaught and strongly endorsed Nafay as a World Cup option behind the stumps.

“Captain played well tonight. Khawaja Nafey Wicket Keeper for WC 26,” Latif wrote.

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The match saw Sri Lanka level the three-match series 1-1 after the second T20I was washed out due to rain.

Batting first, the hosts piled up 160-6 in 12 overs, powered by a sensational cameo from captain Dasun Shanaka, who smashed 34 off just nine deliveries, including five sixes.

Kusal Mendis chipped in with 30 off 16 balls, while Janith Liyanage (22 off 8), Dhananjaya de Silva (22), and Charith Asalanka (21) added valuable runs in a frenetic innings.

In reply, Pakistan showed intent but fell short despite a stunning effort from Salman Ali Agha, who top-scored with 45 off just 12 balls, striking five fours and three sixes.

Mohammad Nawaz contributed 28 off 15, while Nafay’s knock stood out on debut in a demanding situation.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers held their nerve in the closing stages, with Wanindu Hasaranga leading the attack with figures of 4-35 in three overs.

READ: ICC considers alternate venues for Bangladesh’s World Cup games: reports

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly exploring alternate venues within India to host Bangladesh’s matches during the T20 World Cup 2026, amid an ongoing standoff with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) over security concerns.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, the ICC is unlikely to approve BCB’s request to shift Bangladesh’s fixtures entirely out of India to Sri Lanka, despite repeated representations from the board.

With less than four weeks remaining before the tournament begins on February 7, logistical challenges are understood to be a major factor behind the ICC’s reluctance.

The dispute escalated following recent geopolitical tensions between India and Bangladesh, after which BCB formally requested a venue change, citing concerns over player safety.

The issue gained further traction after Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders on the recommendation of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

While the ICC has assured full security arrangements, BCB officials have maintained their stance, stating that playing on Indian soil could compromise the safety of their players.

The ICC is yet to officially respond to BCB’s second formal letter on the matter, but reports suggest the request for relocation to Sri Lanka is expected to be rejected again.

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Instead, the ICC, in consultation with the BCCI, is considering shifting Bangladesh’s matches to alternative venues within India. Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram have emerged as potential options.

Bangladesh were originally scheduled to play three group-stage matches in Kolkata, against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14, before travelling to Mumbai to face Nepal on February 17.

However, Cricbuzz reported that both the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) and Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) have been approached regarding the possibility of hosting the matches.

The TNCA has indicated its readiness to accommodate additional fixtures at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, citing the availability of eight prepared pitches.

The KCA has also expressed a strong interest in hosting matches in Thiruvananthapuram.

Chennai is already a confirmed venue for the tournament and is set to host several matches, including a potential Super 8 fixture involving India. Thiruvananthapuram, meanwhile, is not part of the original venue list.

READ: Virat Kohli breaks Sachin Tendulkar’s record during New Zealand ODI

DAMBULLA: Pakistan T20I skipper Salman Ali Agha urged the need for a better performance with the ball during the final overs after a series-levelling defeat against Sri Lanka in the third and final T20I.

Sri Lanka levelled the three-match series 1-1 after defeating Pakistan by 14 runs in the rain-hit game, which was reduced to 12 overs per side.

Set 161, here at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan fell short of the target despite Agha’s brisk 45 off just 12 balls.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Salman Ali Agha highlighted the shortcomings of the match, stating that they need to improve in some departments.

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“It was a great game. We gave away too many with the ball, but the batting was great,” he said.

“Fielding needs to be great. The way the batting unit went to it, the game could have gone either way,” he continued.

The skipper also talked about death bowling, where Pakistan leaked 51 runs in the last three overs, which shifted the momentum in Sri Lanka’s favor.

Dasun Shanaka played a blind cameo of 34 from nine, which included five sixes.

“With the ball, we need to be better in the death overs,” Salman Ali Agha concluded.

For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga delivered a match winnig spell of four overs, scalping four wickets in his three overs.

READ: Kamran Akmal slams ‘unfair’ treatment of Mustafizur Rahman

SYLHET: Hassan Eisakhil’s sublime knock and an all-round bowling performance led by pacer Ihsanullah led Noakhali Express to an easy win over Dhaka Capitals here in the 22nd fixture of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 on Sunday.

Set a challenging 185-run target, Capitals’ innings folded on 143 in 18.2 overs.

Ihsanullah and Hasan Mahmud inflicted a poor start on Capitals, reducing them to 19-4 in 4.2 overs.

Following the early hiccup, Mohammad Mithun and Shamim Hossain arrested the slide with a half-century stand.

Hossain departed after scoring 29 from 16 with the aid of four boundaries and a six.

Meanwhile, Mithun (33 from 31) was also sent back at the end of the 13th over, which sparked a collapse that Capitals could not recover from.

Eventually, the whole team was bundled out, which handed Noahkhali Express their second win of the season.

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For Noakhali Express, it was an all-round bowling performance with Mohammad Nabi and Ihsanullah picking up two wickets each.

Earlier, opting to bat first, Noakhali Express piled up 184/7 in their 20 overs.

Hassan Eisakhil starred with the bat, top-scoring with 92 from 60 balls with the help of five sixes and seven fours.

The highlight of the innings was the opening partnership, with Eisakhil and Soumya Sarkar adding 101 in 9.2 overs.

Shahadat Hossain also contributed with the bat, hitting seven fours and a six before getting caught behind for 48 from 25 balls.

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For Dhaka Capitals, Mohammad Saifuddin, Taijul Islam, and Abdullah Al Mamun scalped two wickets apiece.

Earlier in the day, Rajshahi Warriors eased past Rangpur Riders by seven wickets.

The Warriors chased down the 179-run target, losing four wickets in the process with five balls remaining.

Najmul Hossain Shanto and Muhammad Waseem  starred with the bat, both scoring 76 and 87, respectively.

READ: Kohli breaks Tendulkar’s record to reach 28,000 runs

DAMBULLA: Dasun Shanaka’s late blitz and Wanindu Hasaranga’s four-wicket haul helped Sri Lanka beat Pakistan in the rain-affected third T20I here at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Set a daunting 161, Pakistan ended up on 146/8 in a match reduced to 12 overs due to rain.

With this, the Islanders levelled the three-match T20I series 1-1, with one game washed out.

Pakistan were dealt with an early blow in the form of opener Sahibzada Farhan, who was cleaned up for nine in the second over.

With Green Shirts, 9-1, skipper Salman Ali Agha arrived and provided the innings the impetus with quick fire 45 from just 12 balls.

The right-hander hit three sixes and five fours in a partnership of 51 runs alongside Saim Ayub.

At this stage, Pakistan’s scorecard read 60 in 3.4 overs.

But things quickly turned in the home side’s favor after Salman’s dismissal, who was caught on fine leg.

Saim (6) and Usman Khan (1) followed him after leaving Pakistan 67-5 in 4.5 overs.

With the side in deep trouble, debutant Khawaja Nafay and Mohammad Nawaz provided hope with 49 run partnership.

The pair managed to control the required run rate, but Wanindu Hasaranga’s spin wizardry shut the door on Pakistan.

He removed Nafay and Shadab in quick time to turn the game on its head. The target proved too much with 20 required in the last over. Eshan Malinga bowled a tight over, giving only five and picking up one wicket to seal a much-needed win for Sri Lanka.

Wanindu Hasaranga delivered a match winnig spell of four overs, scalping four wickets in his three overs.

Earlier, Kusal Mendis’ 30 off 16 and Dasun Shanaka’s 34 from just nine balls took Sri Lanka to an imposing 160-6.

Pathum Nissanka was caught in the first over for a duck, whereas Kamil Mishara raced to 20 off just eight balls before getting caught behind.

As a result, Sri Lanka were reduced to 22-2 in 1.5 overs.

However, Kusal Mendis put together a couple of partnerships that steadied the home side’s innings.

The right-hander first stitched a 32-run stand with Dhananjaya de Silva (21) and with Charith Aslanka (21 from 13 balls) off 46 runs to take the score to the 100-run mark.

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With Sri Lanka 100-4 in 8.5 overs, Mendis’ knock ended, which included two sixes and two fours.

On the very next ball, Asalanka was also sent back to put Pakistan back in the game.

However, it was Shanaka’s partnership of 52 off just 15 with Janith Liyanage that lifted them towards a commanding total.

The Islanders capitalized in the last three overs, accumulating 51 runs as Shanaka tonked five sixes in his brisk knock. Liyanage, meanwhile, also smashed three fours and a maximum in his 22 from eight balls.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Wasim, although he picked up three wickets, but he remained on the expensive side, giving away 54 in three overs.

Naseem Shah, Faheem Ashraf, and Mohammad Nawaz managed to pick one wicket apiece.

READ: Kohli breaks Tendulkar’s record to reach 28,000 runs

VADODARA: India’s talismanic batter Virat Kohli on Sunday added another feather to his cap after shattering Sachin Tendulkar’s record to reach 28,000 runs in international cricket during the ODI series opener against New Zealand.

The right-hander recorded the feat in 624 innings, surpassing Tendulkar’s record of 644 innings and Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakara’s (666) innings.

In doing so, he also overtook Sangakara’s tally of 28,016 runs in international cricket and now trails only Tendulkar’s 34,357 runs.

Before coming into the fixture, Kohli required 25 runs to reach the milestone, and he did it in style, hitting a four during the 12th over of the game.

Later on, he went past Sanagakara on the last ball of the 18th over with a single off Michael Bracewell’s bowling.

Fastest to 28,000 international runs

624 innings* = Virat Kohli*
644 innings – Sachin Tendulkar
666 innings – Kumar Sangakkara

Put into bat first, New Zealand piled up 300-8 at the end of their 50 overs with Daryll Mitchell top-scoring with 84.

In reply, India started strongly with Rohit Sharma and returning Shubman Gill stitching a 39-run partnership.

After Rohit’s dismissal for 26, Kohli came to the fore and steadied India’s ship with a monumental partnership of 118 with Gill.

Gill made 56 from 71 balls while Virat Kohli continued to dominate until the first ball of the 39th over.

The right-handed batter was caught after nearly missing his 54th ODI century. He hit eight fours and a six on his way to 93 from 91 deliveries.

Eventually, India cruised to a four-wicket win over the BlackCaps in the last over, with KL Rahul remaining unbeaten on 29.

READ: Nabi, Eisakhil make T20 history as father-son duo

SYLHET: Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi and his son Hassan Eisakhil on Sunday became the first father-son duo to bat together in a T20 match.

The pair recorded the feat during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 fixture between Noakhali Express and Dhaka Capitals.

Eisakhil, 19, made his BPL debut, receiving the cap from his father, Nabi, ahead of the 22nd fixture of the tournament.

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Hassan Eisakhil opened the innings for Express and remained the top-scorer for his side with 92 from 60 balls, laced with five sixes and seven fours.

Due to Eisakhil’s knock, Noakhali Express racked up 184-7 at the end of their 20 overs.

The historic moment came when Habibur Rahman Sohan was dismissed in the 13th over, bringing Mohammad Nabi to the crease.

At this stage, Noakhali Express scorecard read 119-3.

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This marked the first occasion when a father-son duo batted together in a T20 match.

The pair stitched a 53-run partnership, bringing the score to 172 at the end of 18 overs. Eisakhil did the bulk of the scoring, whereas Nabi was dismissed for 17 from 13 with the help of two fours.

Earlier, the duo had squared off in a match during the Afghanistan Shpageeza Cricket League final, with Mohammad Nabi facing his son Hassan Eisakhil.

In November 2025, Timor-Leste’s Suhail Sattar and Yahya Suhail made history as the first father-and-son duo to play together in an international match.

The pair recorded the unique feat in Timor-Leste’s first international match against Indonesia in Bali on November 6, 2025.

Although parent-child duos featuring in a match together are rare, it has happened before.

Switzerland’s women’s team featured a mother-daughter duo — Metty Fernandes and Naina Metty Saju — who played six T20Is together in 2025.

Similarly, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and his son Tagenarine played 11 first-class matches for Guyana, with Shivnarine even captaining his son in a game against Windward Islands at Providence Stadium in March 2014.

READ: PCB plans to sell Multan Sultans ahead of PSL 11: report

DAMBULLA: Pakistan have won the toss and decided to bowl first against Sri Lanka in a match reduced to 12 overs per side due to rain here at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Pakistan have made two changes to their playing XI with wicket-keeper batter Khawaja Nafay making his debut, whereas pacer Naseem Shah is included in place of Salman Mirza.

The visitors are 1-0 up in the series, having secured the victory in the opening T20I with a dominant performance. While the second match was washed out due to rain.

The Green Shirts were clinical with the bat and ball as returning Shadab Khan delivered an all-round performance.

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The three-match T20I series serves as a preparatory platform for the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup, which will begin on 7 February in Sri Lanka and India.

Playing XIs

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasum Shanaka (capt) Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshan Malinga, Maheesh Theekshana, Maheesh Pathirana

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha (capt), Usman Khan, Khawaja Nafay, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed

READ: PCB plans to sell Multan Sultans ahead of PSL 11: report

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) aims to sell Multan Sultans ahead of the start of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11, Cricinfo reported on Sunday.

A month earlier, the PCB had said that it would take charge of the franchise for the upcoming season and auction it after the tournament.

“As soon as the PSL ends, we will auction the franchise off, and in the next eight to ten days, we will appoint an acting head to run the franchise,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated.

The decision was taken after the former owner of the Multan Sultans, Ali Tareen, decided not to renew the franchise agreement for the next decade.

However, according to the report, the board is considering selling the outfit as soon as possible.

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“The PCB is in active discussions to sell off the franchise as soon as legally possible. The proposal has the support of senior officials at the PCB and the PSL, with a final sign-off required by chairman Mohsin Naqvi,” the report quoted.

The decision is likely to be driven by record bids received during the historic auction for two new franchises — Hyderabad and Sialkot.

Following the conclusion of the auction, Naqvi vowed to run Sultans amid financial speculations.

“I took a challenge, and that is that there were a lot of claims on social media that the team was in losses. So I, and all of the team, decided that we will show you how much profit this business offers, publish the numbers before going for the auction,” Naqvi stated.

“The pressure has started to be built up on me to sell out the team,” he said in a light-hearted manner while referring to Naseer.

It is worth noting that Sultans were first acquired by the Dubai-based Schon Group in 2017 under an eight-year contract worth $5.2 million.

However, the deal was terminated after a year due to the franchisee’s inability to meet its financial obligations under the agreement.

READ: PSL 11 players draft: tentative date revealed

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 11 players’ draft is expected to take place on January 30, with preparations already underway ahead of the expanded edition of the tournament, sources told on Saturday.

According to insiders, PSL management is working to complete all procedural and administrative matters well in advance to ensure a smooth and timely draft process.

While the venue and final date are yet to be announced officially, sources revealed that the event has been tentatively scheduled during a one-day gap in the Pakistan-Australia T20I series, i.e., January 30.

Notably, PSL has officially expanded ahead of season 11 in a historic auction, with Hyderabad and Sialkot confirmed as the two new franchises following a high-stakes auction held at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad.

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The two teams will make their debut in PSL season 11, joining the existing six franchises: Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, Islamabad United, and Multan Sultans.

FKS Group acquired the Sialkot franchise for Rs1.75 billion, while OZ Developers secured the Hyderabad team for Rs1.85 billion. The official names of the Hyderabad and Sialkot teams will be announced at a later stage.

The 11th edition of the PSL is scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3, 2026.

READ: Shubman Gill breaks silence on T20 World Cup 2026 exclusion